Pillow-block.



Patented July 3, 1917.,

1&4 I

B. BERLIN.

PILLOW BLOCK.

APPLICATION FILED :.IAY I3. Isls.

ITE@ TAVIllF@ PATENT @ldlhflltllltg BRUCE BERLIN, OF NEVI YORK, N. Y.

PILLOW-BLOCK.

marsan.

Application filed May 13, i916.

To all Iwhom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BRUCE BnnLrN, a citizen of the United States of America7 and resident of New York city, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pillow-Blocks, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to an improvement .in pillow blocks adapted to support the human body alongthe line of the vertebrae, permitting the head to depend from one end of the block and the lower extremities from the other end thereof, thus supporting the body in a posture of repose conducive to sleep and corrective of ills incident to repose in a horizontal posture.

I have illustrated my invention in the accompanying drawings wherein Figure 1 is a perspective view; Fig. 2 is a section taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. l; Fig. 3 is a section taken on the line 3 3 of Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3, while Fig. 5 is a diagrammatical illustration of the manner in which the pillow block is susceptible of use by a human being.

I have designated the various parts by numerals, designating like parts by like numerals.

l indicates what may be characterized as a pillow block. It is formed in cross section with a convex surface, the highest point of such surface being indicated as 2 and thence tapering off toward each end as at 3 and 4. These curvatures I have found to be the most eflicient and satisfactory and as best adapted to the human form. The lower section of the block as 5 is flat and I prefer to provide an aperture as 6 passing through the block. This aperture is in the interest of lightness of construction and at the same time said aperture serves to receive the pins hereafter to be described. I prefer to overlay the surfaces 2, 3 and 4 of the block with a padded cushion as 7. 8 is a base plate of substantially the same rectangular form and size as that of the block. A'plurality of pins as 9 are mounted in this base plate. I have illustrated four of these pins. 10 to l5 inclusive are slabs perforated with holes adapted to receive the pins 9. 'Ihe lower section 5 of the block l is also perforated to receive said pins. In Fig. 5 I have illustrated the manner in which the block is employed by a human being where it will be Specification of Letters Patent.

Serial No. 97,250.

seen that the convex surface of the block supports. the back along the lines of the vertebrae, the head depending from one end of the block and the lower extremities from 'i the other end, the block being of a width to permit the arms to fall on either side of the block.

The height of the block may be adjusted by removing one or more of the slabs 10 to l5. This is accomplished by separating the block from the base and removing or replacing the slabs according to the elevation required.

Many desirable results are observed by the employment of a pillow block of this nature; notably the spinal column is supported and curved in a highly desirable way from -a sanitary standpoint. The arms fall over the side of the block causing the chest to eX- pand. lIhe head depending from one end of the block causes the wind-pipe to open for the free passage of air, thus avoiding distress incident to breathing when the head is drawn toward the chest as is frequently the case in sleeping. rIhe lower extremities of the body are supported by the curved section 4 and in a posture to induce repose and overcome many physical inconveniences incident to slumber in a horizontal position.

I prefer to construct the block of wood, but it is obvious that it may be constructed of any suitable material of a rigid nature, or it may be made elastic and supported pneumatically, but it is important that the curvatures indicated for the top surface thereof should be maintained to accomplish the best results.

1What I claim is 1. A new article of manufacture, a block of non-resilient material and of rectangular form, adapted to support the human body between the neck and the buttock, when in a reclining position,' the back resting on the upper face of said block, said upper face of said block formed in longitudinal section in a convex curve, the central section of said curve being slightly removed from a straight line, while the section adapted to support the neck is sharply curved and the section adapted to support the region of the body adjacent the buttock is less sharply curved.

2. A new article of manufacture consisting of a pillow block comprising a member having a convex surface adapted to conform to the human body in combination with a base plate and a plurality of slabs adapted Patented July 3, MMV?.

to be interposed between said base pla-te and said block with means to unite the pillow block, base plate and slabs.

3. A new article of manufacture consisting of a pillow block comprising a member haw/'ing a convex surface adapted to conform to the human body in combination with a base plate and a plurality of slabs adapted to be interposed between said base plate and said block, a plurality of pins secured to the base plate and projecting` therefrom perpendicular to the surface thereof with holes in the slabs and in the lower part of the pillow block to receive said pins and a padded covering for the pillow7 block, all l5 substantially as shown and for the purposes speeied.

Signed by me at New York City, N. Y. this 12th day of May 1916.

BRUCE BERLIN.

Witnesses:

ANNA F. DAVIDSON, MARGARET VOGEL.

Copies o f this patent `may be obtained for ve cents each, byraddressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washingtoml). C. 

